Tea and cake at the Snooty Fox Shalford

Route overview

Starting at Farncombe Station, cycling through Broadwater Park (look out for the delicious Waffle Van!) and across to the River Way path north to the Downs Link. Along the Downs Link and past the new NT picnic site, exiting at Shalford Bridge and following a quiet lane that opens up on Shalford Green with a coffee stop at The Snooty Fox. Return along the river and the Peasmarsh Woods to Broadwater and FNC station.

Places of interest: Snooty Fox |Waffle Van

Exit Farncombe Station on the Southbound side and turn left into Summers Road. Turn right into Nursery Road and then look for an entrance to Broadwater Park on the left. Follow through the car park and along the path, past the playground and turn right downhill after the Toilets. Follow the path around to the left and around the lake. Look out for the Waffle Van in the next car park on the left. Continue around the lake over the weir and turn left to cross the busy A3100. Turn left and follow the second footpath down to the river, bearing left at a fork and emerging on the towpath.

Continue left along the river bank and at the bridge turn right onto the road. Follow the road to a very narrow bridge, and then bear left along Trunley Heath Road until it emerges at the junction of the Horsham Road. Just before it does a path appears on the left which takes you safely to the crossing point. Cross the A281 onto the Downs Link,  cycling past two interesting wooden seating structures. Turn left at the first bridge and up Tannery Lane to a junction.
Turn left at the junction on to Chinthurst Lane which runs through some housing and then opens up at Shalford Green and their new Swift tower. At the end of the Lane there is a parade of shops including the Snooty Fox Coffee Shop. Navigate the triangle to cross the A281 near he flower shop and pass by the scout hut. Turn right on a gravel bridlepath called Dagley Lane and follow this through the woods. Turn left at a tree – there are currently 3 steps here –  and follow the path through the water treatment works until you emerge at Shalford Park. Follow the Park along the left hand side and look for a footpath to the water meadows.  Take this through the trees and you will shortly see the River Wey. You will need to carry your bike up a couple of steps and cross the bridge to the sandy banks. Turn left and carefully pass through what might have given ‘Golden Ford’ Guildford its’ name. Follow the towpath south and the river will open up at some picturesque Shalford Locks.

Cycle under the railway bridge and then cross Peasmarsh Road, continuing south on the towpath. You will soon see the Downs Link bridge – go up the path here and continue along the paved old railway line, before turning left at a bridge. Follow the cycle route left along Peasmarsh Green to a roundabout. Carefully cross the A3100 by a bus stop and pick up a gravelled path just behind it . This path takes you into Peasmarsh Woods – keep going south over two small wooden bridges. Bear right at a junction and emerge at the B3000 opposite the Crematorium. Cross the road, turn right and then first left before the main bridge into Summers Road, which will take you back to Farncombe Station.